CHENNAI: Leaders of various political parties, writers, actors and readers on Thursday paid their last respects to writer Jayakanthan and hailed him as a towering literary personality not only in Tamil Nadu but also in the country.
DMK president M Karunanidhi, actors Kamal Haasan and Sivakumar, many Tamil writers were among those who paid their last respects to the late writer. His mortal remains were consigned to flames at Besant Nagar crematorium.
Describing Jayakanthan as the ‘King of the literary world’, Karunanidhi said though Jayakanthan was highly critical of the Dravidian movement decades ago, he changed his attitude. “His writings will be cherished by the Tamils forever”, he added.
Condoling the death of his long-time friend, DK president K Veeramani said though he had difference of opinion on ideologies, the friendship between them lasted till the end. Describing Jayakanthan as a ‘Padikkatha Methai’ (Uneducated Genius), Veeramani said Jayakanthan’s demise was a personal loss to him.
Condoling the death of Jayakanthan, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said the Centre should release a special stamp to commemorate his memory and the State government should institute an award in his names besides raising a befitting memorial for him.
CPM State secretary G Ramakrishnan said Jayakanthan was firm in his socialistic views throughout his life and had declared himself a communist. His contribution to Tamil literature was massive. CPI State secretary R Mutharasan said Jayakanthan took communist leader Jeevanandam and poet Subramaniya Bharathi as his role models and he remained an ‘Era of literature’ till the last moment.
PMK founder S Ramadoss said the history of literature in Tamil Nadu could not be written without the contributions of Jayakanthan. Despite touching the heights of fame on many counts, Jayakanthan remained a simple and down to earth personality, he added.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko, recalling his association with Jayakanthan, said the late writer had given revolutionary ideas for social reformation through his writings and that his works would last for ever. DMDK founder Vijaykant said Jayakanthan’s demise was a great loss not only to the literary world but also to the fields of politics and cinema.
Naam Tamizhar party’s Seeman said Jayakanthan would remain an icon in the Tamil literary world.